Mental Health Gets Insurance Parity (broadcast Friday, October 10th, 2008)

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Included in the economic rescue package signed into law last week were provisions that will, for the first time, require employers and insurance companies to give mental health issues parity with physical health issues. Under the new law, for instance, insurance companies will not be allowed to charge one level of co-pay for mental health visits, and another for other health services. Companies will also not be allowed to place different limits on plan spending, or number of treatments. The rules, which apply to businesses with over 50 people that offfer some form of mental health coverage, will generally go into effect next year. We'll talk about the new law, and its potential effect on treatment for addiction, schizophrenia, and other mental health concerns. Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.